I like the way you sum it up, SubsonicMortal.
However, after a while I get a little apathetic about the whole rostering process. The September schedule, as I recall, was delayed because of the roll-out of the Bahrain CAA ANTR-OPS limitations, even though the Company had fully expected this to happen months ago.
After the publication of any rosters, there are typically so many roster changes that by the end of the month 50% of the month's schedule has changed.
Somehow, I suspect ZeroCRM's expected excuses may prove to be prophetic.
At the end of the day, all I really care about is two things. 1) Did I get my request and, 2) what are my rostered days off? And I like to know this as soon as possible so I can plan my life away from work.